How to Reduce Keratin in Skin

Last Updated: February 12, 2022 References

Keratin is a class of fibrous proteins, and your outer layer of skin is mainly composed of this protein.^{[1]
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Research source} Sometimes your body malfunctions when producing keratin, and it builds up under a hair follicle near the top layer of skin; it then produces a plug that rises to the surface.^{[2]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} These plugs manifest as small, rough dots, often white or red, and the condition is called keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris may look like tiny pimples on the upper arms, buttocks, or thighs. This condition, which runs in families, is harmless. However, you may want to find ways to reduce its appearance. Although you can't reduce keratin necessarily, there are ways to lessen the appearance of keratosis pilaris, including getting medical treatment, using exfoliants, and moisturizing your skin.^{[3]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Seeing Your Doctor

1
Visit your doctor for a prescription. If you feel like your keratosis pilaris is an issue, talk to your doctor about treatment. Discuss your options to see what works best for you.^{[4]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- Your doctor may prescribe a topical medicine, such as lactic acid lotion (AmLactin or Lac-Hydrin), salicylic acid lotion (Salex lotion), retinoic acid products (Retin-A or Differin), urea cream (Carmol 10, 20, or 40), or alpha hydroxy acid lotion (Glytone).^{[5]
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  Mayo Clinic
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- Some of these treatments are designed to remove dead skin cells, while others prevent the buildup of cells in your follicles.
- Your doctor may also prescribe a steroid cream (such as triamcinolone 0.1%), which can reduce redness.^{[6]
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  MedlinePlus
  Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
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2
Ask about getting a chemical peel. Glycolic acid peels can help smooth out your skin and improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris. This treatment typically takes about 5-7 minutes.^{[7]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} While you can get over-the-counter glycolic acid peels, your doctor may be able to give you a stronger or more effective peel in their office.
- Your doctor can also examine your skin and determine if it’s safe to apply a peel, or apply additional treatments to make the peel more effective.^{[8]
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  PubMed Central
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3
Move up to emollient-based steroid creams. If other treatments do not work, your doctor may try an emollient-based steroid cream. Some creams in this class are Cloderm and Locoid Lipocream. You can only use these creams for about a week.^{[9]
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Research source}
4
Ask about laser treatments. If your keratosis pilaris is very bothersome and doesn’t respond to other treatments, your doctor might suggest laser treatments or light therapy. These treatments can help reduce discoloration and improve your skin’s texture. They work best when combined with other treatments, such as microdermabrasion.^{[10]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- Another option is photodynamic therapy (PDT). Basically, this treatment uses light combined with a photosensitizer that you apply to your skin to work on the condition. However, using it for keratosis pilaris is an off-label use, so it may not be covered by your insurance.^{[11]
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  Research source}
- While laser and light-based therapies may improve the appearance of your skin, they won’t actually cure keratosis pilaris or related conditions.
5
Talk about using a retinoid cream. Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that you can apply to your skin as an ointment or cream. Your doctor may prescribe a retinoid, such as tazarotene, which you typically apply to your skin every night. Some studies show that these treatments can significantly improve keratosis pilaris over the course of a few weeks.^{[12]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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- For more severe keratin disorders, oral vitamin A treatments, such as isotretinoin, may be helpful.^{[13]
  X
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source} However, these medications can have serious side effects, so talk to your doctor about the possible risks.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Reducing Dryness

1
Take baths and showers in lukewarm water. Do not use hot water when bathing or showering, as hot water dries out the skin and causes this particular skin condition to worsen. In addition, limit how long you are in the shower, as showering strips your body of its natural oils. But don't let this discourage you from showering. It's important to maintain good hygiene.^{[14]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Limit your time in the bath or shower to about 10 minutes.
2
Pick the right kind of soap. The best soaps are mild, hypoallergenic ones that have added oils. Look for "added moisturizers" or "moisturizing" on the package, as well as labels such as “hypoallergenic” or “for sensitive skin.” Skip ones that have antibacterial properties or that have added scents or alcohol.^{[15]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Avoid bar soaps, which can be drying. Stick to milder cleansers, such as an unscented, moisturizing body wash.^{[16]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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3
Attempt gentle exfoliation. You don't want to scrub your skin raw. However, using a light exfoliant can help. An exfoliant just sloughs off the top layer of dead skin. Try a loofah or washcloth with your soap.^{[17]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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- Reserve pumice stones and other harsh exfoliants for really rough areas, such as your feet.
4
Use a moisturizer after showers. Every time you hop in the shower, make sure you use a moisturizer when you get out. The same holds for when you wash your hands. When you get your body wet, you need to be applying a moisturizer. Washing skin can remove natural oils, and applying a moisturizer immediately can help trap the water near your skin, providing moisture.^{[18]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Apply your moisturizer while the skin is still damp, just after showering.
- Many of the medications used to treat keratosis are drying. Always moisturize after applying an acid lotion, retinoid, or urea cream or ointment.
- If you're having trouble with dry skin, pick a moisturizer that includes an oil or fat to help moisturize your skin.^{[19]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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5
Use moisturizers at least 3 times a day. In addition to applying moisturizer after you shower, you should also apply it throughout day. Try applying it both when you get up and when you go to bed. Slather some moisturizer on any time you notice your skin feeling dry during the day.^{[20]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
6
Pick natural fabrics. Natural fabrics are better for your skin because they allow air in. The exception to the rule is wool, which can be itchy. Stick to cotton or silk.^{[21]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Rough or tight-fitting clothes can also irritate keratosis bumps, causing redness and inflammation. Try to wear light, loose clothing to minimize irritation.^{[22]
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  Research source}
7
Wash your clothes with natural detergents. When picking out your detergent, look for ones that are free of dyes. Dyes can irritate your skin. Similarly, it's good to pick one that's scent-free for the same reason.^{[23]
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Mayo Clinic
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Humidifier to Moisturize Skin

1
Try a humidifier. A humidifier can help moisturize your skin, especially if you live in a dry climate.^{[24]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} The ideal humidity for your home is between 30% and 50%. If your home falls below that range, you should be using a humidifier to help your dry skin.^{[25]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Put a portable humidifier in your room or other areas where you spend time, or attach a humidifier to the heating system in your home.
- If you need to test the humidity, you can find hygrometers at your local hardware store. They look and work basically like a thermometer. Some humidifiers come with a hygrometer attached.
2
Keep your humidifier clean. It's important to keep your humidifier clean, because otherwise it can breed bacteria and fungus, making you sick. One step you can take to help keep it clean is to use distilled water, as it doesn't contain minerals that can encourage bacteria to grow.^{[26]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Change out the water every day if possible. To change out the water, unplug the unit. Pour out the water. Dry out the reservoir, and then refill it with clean water.
- Clean it out completely every 3 days. Unplug the unit. Make sure the unit doesn't have mineral deposits by using hydrogen peroxide on it (3%). Rinse it out afterwards.
3
Don't keep a humidifier forever. Even with proper care, humidifiers can build up bacteria over time. If you have an old one around the house, consider replacing it.^{[27]
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Mayo Clinic
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4
Put the humidifier where you spend most of your time. The point is to help your skin, and it can't do that if it's in a room you're not in much. A good choice is your living room or bedroom. If you can, consider having one in each room.
- Depending on where you live, you may also be able to install a central unit that humidifies your whole home.^{[28]
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  Mayo Clinic
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